Socializing
National Socialism: From Radical Social Conservatism to Socialism
Did Nazism Come from Radical Social Conservatism or Reflect Radical Socialism?
The origins of National Socialism continue to be a subject of debate among historians and scholars. While one argument posits that Nazism originated from radical social conservatism, evidence indicates that it was more accurately driven by radical socialist ideals. This article delves into the ideological roots of National Socialism by examining primary sources and key figures who played pivotal roles in its development.
The Ideological Foundations of National Socialism
Gregor Strasser, a prominent figure in the Nazi Party, was a leading proponent of National Socialism as a socialist ideology. In his writings, Strasser clearly outlined his socialist leanings. He stated, 'We are socialists, enemies of the present capitalist economic system, its exploitation of the economically weak, its injustice in wages, its immoral evaluation of individuals according to wealth and money instead of responsibility and achievement. We are determined under all circumstances to abolish this system! And with my inclination to practical action it seems obvious to me that we have to put a better, more just, more moral system in its place one which as it were has arms and legs and better arms and legs than the present one.'
The Rise of National Socialism
The rise of National Socialism can be understood as a reaction against a capitalist system that prioritized wealth over social justice. Strasser believed that the economic system was incapable of properly distributing productivity and that it needed to be replaced with a more just and moral system. This sentiment was echoed in speeches and policies implemented during the reign of the Nazi regime.
At a Reichstag session in May 1934, Strasser underscored the anti-capitalist stance of National Socialism, stating, 'The important part of the present development is the anti-capitalist sentiment that is permeating our people.' This sentiment was a central tenet of the Nazi ideology, distinguishing it from the conservatism associated with the pre-Nazi era.
The Influence of Fascism and Socialism
The ideology of National Socialism also drew elements from both fascist and socialist ideologies. Strasser's ideas were based on a synthesis of nationalism and socialism. He argued in Hitler and I that 'from the Right we shall take nationalism which has so disastrously allied itself with capitalism, and from the Left we shall take Socialism which has made such an unhappy union with internationalism. Thus we shall form the National-Socialism which will be the motive force of a new Germany and a new Europe.'
The Fall of National Socialism
Despite the influence of Strasser's socialist ideas, his rise within the Nazi Party posed a threat to Adolf Hitler's leadership. Strasser, along with Erich Rohm and the Sturmabteilung (SA), were seen as potential rivals for leadership. Their radical socialist stance was seen as a potential challenge to Hitler's control. In 1934, in what became known as the Night of the Long Knives, Hitler had Strasser, along with other SA leaders, purged and executed, effectively erasing Strasser's influence on National Socialism.
Conclusion
The origins of National Socialism lie not in radical social conservatism but in radical socialist ideals. The work of figures such as Gregor Strasser, who advocated for a socialist transformation of society, played a significant role in shaping the ideology of National Socialism. While the movement drew upon elements of both socialism and fascism, its primary focus was on creating a more just and moral economic and social system, as opposed to the conservative restraints of capitalism.